The Shamshir originated in Persia and spread throughout the former Ottoman Empire and beyond into India and even the Philippines. Its strongly curved blade was enduringly popular and absolutely ideal for delivering a devastating cutting stroke. And, contrary to popular belief, it was very effective at delivering rising, descending and hooking style thrusts! Typically, the curved Shamshir blade had a narrow cross section and a sharp point. It had a simple brass or steel crossbar hilt and an equally straightforward handle made from wood or animal horn that terminated in a distinctively bulbous pommel. This pommel was offset slightly to help the hand resist centrifugal force when making a hard cutting stroke. Our version of this historic saber replicates the original as closely as possible. The only modifications were to substitute a modern high carbon steel for the blade and to use black faux buffalo horn for the handle. Even the scabbard is a close copy of the original. It's made of thick, black leather (so it won't dull the blade) and reinforced by a brass throat and chape, and comes complete with dual suspension rings.